Bad Feminist

Has anyone here read the book of essays titled Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay? I'm just curious for some input about the book, haven't read it myself.

I haven't read it but I am intrigued. Mabith has some interesting comments on it here http://www.librarything.com/topic/177282#4973975.

I picked it up when it came out but haven't started it yet. Commenting so I remember to come back when I do :)

I have it on hold at the library.

Perfect timing for a thread, as I just finished it yesterday. I loved it. I found it very challenging and it made me want to read all the books she critiques. I haven't written a review yet as I'm still processing the book, but I intend to buy a paperback copy when I can find one inexpensively. (I checked it out from the library.)

I should note that Roxane Gay is very much in my milieu of intersectional feminism (looking at the interplay of race, class, sexual identity, etc., with gender), which meant some of her claims and essays were very accessible to me in a way they may not be to my mom, for instance, who is an older generation of feminist who doesn't understand why some people of color feel slighted by first- and second-generation feminists.

I thought her essays on literary and film criticism were the strongest. They had the most to say that I was sometimes not familiar with (exception: people who pay attention will not find "Twilight is full of domestic abuse themes" surprising, but I've also had to argue with people that it is, so clearly there are people who didn't see it). These are also the essays I most want to revisit. But I liked the personal essays, too.

>5 sparemethecensor:
Maybe I should clarify -- "challenging" to mean "thought-provoking," not "challenging to get through."

I read it (and reviewed it). It's well worth reading, and I agree with >5 sparemethecensor: that she's a strong literary and film critic. Her discussion of rape culture is agonizing.

It's definitely on my to read list for this year, as is her novel, An Untamed State.

Yes, I added her novel to my TBR list after finishing Bad Feminist. I liked her writing style and am very interested to read her novel.

Thanks everyone! It sounds like I will probably be adding it to my TBR pile. :)

Sounds like an interesting read....